* Both are about power and the dangers of unchecked authority. The Crucible is set during the Salem witch trials, a time when the government had the power to accuse and convict anyone of witchcraft without any evidence. Joseph McCarthy was a U.S. senator who used his power to accuse people of being communists without any evidence.
* Both are about fear and paranoia. The Salem witch trials were a time of great fear and paranoia, as anyone could be accused of witchcraft and executed. McCarthyism was a time of great fear and paranoia, as anyone could be accused of being a communist and blacklisted.
* Both are about the erosion of civil liberties. The Salem witch trials led to the erosion of civil liberties, as people were deprived of their right to a fair trial and due process of law. McCarthyism led to the erosion of civil liberties, as people were deprived of their right to freedom of speech and association.
* Both are about the dangers of mob mentality. The Salem witch trials were fueled by mob mentality, as people were quick to accuse and condemn others without any evidence. McCarthyism was fueled by mob mentality, as people were quick to accuse and condemn others without any evidence.
* Both are about the power of propaganda. The Salem witch trials were fueled by propaganda, as the government and the church spread rumors and lies about witches. McCarthyism was fueled by propaganda, as the government and the media spread rumors and lies about communists.
* Both had lasting impacts on American society. The Salem witch trials left a lasting legacy of fear and paranoia in American society. McCarthyism left a lasting legacy of fear and paranoia in American society.